Last reviewed by Robert Prime — May 2026
BlueInk Review is the quiet third name in US paid reviews — less famous than Kirkus, but founded by industry veterans and respected for the quality of its critics. Here's whether it earns its fee.
What it costs in 2026
- Standard review: $395 (7-9 weeks)
- Fast-track: $495 (4-5 weeks)
- 2-review package: $695 — bundles a BlueInk review with a Foreword Clarion review, useful if you want two trade names at once.
As with all reputable services, you see the review first and choose whether to publish it, so an unfavourable verdict stays private.
What you get
BlueInk's pitch is critic quality: reviews are written by experienced reviewers, many with traditional-publishing or major-media backgrounds. The result is a substantive, credible critique you can quote, plus consideration for BlueInk's "Notable Books" selections and starred reviews. It carries weight with US librarians and trade buyers — the same audience Foreword and Kirkus reach.
Where it fits
Worth it if: you want US-trade credibility and either prefer BlueInk's critic pedigree or want the two-review package to stack BlueInk + Foreword in one purchase.
Skip it if: your market is the UK (LoveReading at £120 is better value and more trusted by British readers), or you specifically need the Kirkus name for recognition.
Verdict — 7/10
A credible, well-run US trade review with strong critics — but it's the third choice behind Kirkus (name) and Foreword (library depth), and overkill for UK-focused authors. The two-review package is its most distinctive offer.
How to decide if a paid review is worth it at all
Before paying any review service, run a quick cost-benefit check:
- What will you actually do with the review? A pull-quote on your Amazon listing, your website, and ad creative is the real return. If you have no plan to deploy the quote, you're paying for a private opinion.
- Does your genre respect trade reviews? Literary fiction, narrative non-fiction and children's picture books gain the most; pulpy genre fiction often sells fine on reader reviews alone. For most commercial fiction, ARC reader reviews and BookSirens deliver more bang per pound.
- Is it library-facing? BlueInk, Foreword and Kirkus all reach US librarians — relevant only if library sales are part of your plan.
The honest rule: buy a paid review when you have a concrete marketing use for the quote and a genre that values it. Otherwise put the £300+ toward advertising or an editorial pass that improves the book itself.
Frequently asked questions
How much does BlueInk Review cost?
$395 standard (7-9 weeks), $495 fast-track (4-5 weeks), or $695 for a package bundling a Foreword Clarion review.
Can I keep a bad BlueInk review private?
Yes — you approve the review before it's published.
BlueInk vs Kirkus vs Foreword?
Kirkus has the biggest name, Foreword the library depth, BlueInk strong critics and a bundle option. See the full editorial review comparison.
Is BlueInk worth it for a UK author?
Usually not — LoveReading at £120 is cheaper and more trusted with UK readers. BlueInk is for US-trade ambitions.
Related guides
- Editorial review services compared
- LoveReading review
- Kirkus Indie review
- Foreword Clarion review
- IndieReader review
External references
- BlueInk Review — official site
- Alliance of Independent Authors
About this guide
Written by Robert Prime for publishing.co.uk. Last reviewed May 2026. Confirm current pricing on BlueInk's site.
